How Do I Know My Ballet Shoe Size?

Ballet

Knowing your ballet shoe size is essential for any dancer, as the wrong shoe size can drastically affect performance, comfort, and health. It can be especially tricky to find the right fit for novice dancers, who may not have access to a professional fitter.

Here we will go over what you need to know about finding your perfect ballet shoe size.

Measuring for Ballet Shoes

The first step in finding your ballet shoe size is to measure your foot. To do this accurately, you will need a soft measuring tape and either a friend or a wall to lean against.

Start by having your friend mark the back of your heel with the measuring tape and then measure up to the longest toe on each foot. You should also measure around the ball of your foot where it is widest. Make sure you are wearing socks or tights that you would normally wear with a pair of ballet shoes.

Comparing Size Charts

Once you have measured both feet, you can compare them against measurement charts provided by popular manufacturers like Capezio or Bloch. You’ll want to choose the shoe size that corresponds most closely with both measurements as sizes may vary across brands.

Fitting Ballet Shoes

When it comes time to try on ballet shoes, make sure they fit comfortably on both feet and don’t feel too tight or too loose anywhere. The front half of the shoe should fit snugly but not constrictively around the toes and arch of your foot while still allowing them to move freely when pointed or flexed. The heel should stay firmly in place without slipping off.

Conclusion

Finding the correct ballet shoe size doesn’t have to be difficult – with careful measurement and comparison against manufacturer-provided sizing charts, any dancer can find their perfect fit! A professional fitter may be able to help if needed, but understanding how to measure yourself is essential in order to properly fit any type of dance footwear in the future.